Burger Kings

Uneeda Burger

In Fremont, a former auto garage is now a house of excellent burgers, bedecked with anything from mushrooms, gruyere, and truffle salt to bacon, cheddar, charred onions, and a slather of barbecue sauce—combos that are lively but not overwhelming. Enjoy the ample patio and dig into the superlative fries. 4302 Fremont Ave N; uneedaburger.com

Katsu Burger

The tasty comfort foods from America and Japan collide within these colossal burgers, their patties panko-breaded and fried like Japan’s tonkatsu-style pork cutlet. Toppings are similarly cross-cultural, like American cheese and curry mayo, and you can swap in fried chicken, pork, or tofu on any sandwich. You’ll find four locations in Seattle, including a new outpost on Capitol Hill. Multiple locations; katsuburger.com

Stop at Dick’s Drive-In for a no-fuss order of burgers and fries. It has been a Seattle tradition since 1954. Just look for the signature orange sign. *Multiple locations; ddir.com

8oz Burger & Co

There’s a certain elegance to the burgers at this casual spot: patties rubbed with espresso or topped with braised pork belly; greens like watercress or arugula instead of iceberg or romaine. The short rib poutine is more messy than elegant but every bit as delicious. Multiple locations; 8ozburgerandco.com

Great State Burger

Local restaurateur Josh Henderson recently launched a Shake Shack–inspired burger chain, where fast food staples meet organic, grass-fed beef patties. Choose between a single or double burger, dressed in shredded iceberg and the house sauce, and wash it down with crinkle-cut fries and a milkshake made with organic local soft serve. Great State has locations in Laurelhurst and Westlake, with more on the way. *Multiple locations; greatstateburger.com

Li’l Woody’s

This three-location burger chainlet piles nostalgic American flavors—Tillamook cheddar, barbecue sauce, onion rings, bacon, and blue cheese—on grass-fed patties, between buns as soft as clouds. And what could be more American than a red plastic basket of hand-cut fries with a milkshake for dipping? Multiple locations; lilwoodys.com

BRGR Bar

A hidden gem in Pioneer Square, this dark little enclave is known for its Korean-influenced Gangnam Again burger, the patty inspired by kalbi marinated short ribs and crunching with kimchi and house slaw. The rest of the 10-burger menu shares this commitment to bold flavors, right down to the perfectly seasoned waffle fries. 111 Occidental Ave S; brgrbarseattle.com